A Message from our Rabbis:
We are living in challenging and sometimes frightening times. As we continue to stay at home and social distance from one another, we are reminded how important and even essential community is in our lives. Although we cannot gather physically, we still need to reach out and be with one another. It is normal to miss the hugs and close proximity of friends and family. Connecting with loved ones and friends by phone, Skype, FaceTime or Zoom can ease our anxiety and even bring us joy and laughter. Praying and learning together in our virtual kehillah kedoshah, our sacred community, can help us feel the presence of God in our lives.
We hope that you have found meaning in the virtual communal worship and programs we have offered over the last week. If you haven’t yet joined us by Zoom or livestreaming, we hope you will this week.
For now, the Golda and Michael Och Campus will remain closed at least until April 20. Tractate Sanhedrin teaches that “one who saves a life saves the entire world.” Every decision we make is guided by this principle. Our continued temporary building closure puts the health and well-being of our community members, and the larger community, first. And that will continue to be what guides us. We want to assure you that we are committed to continuing to offer virtual opportunities for prayer, learning, and connection while our building remains closed.
Some of these services and programs are listed below, and we’ll be adding more throughout the coming weeks, so please continue to watch your email, our Facebook page, and our website. And if you are feeling daunted by the technology, e-mail us at: techhelp@bethelnj.org.
Please know that we are both here if you need anything. We are only an email or phone call away, so please reach out. Shabbat Shalom!
L’vriyhut — to health,
Rabbi Jesse Olitzky and Rabbi Rachel Marder
We remain a sacred community that–at all times–loves and cares for one another. If you need someone to talk to…if you are homebound and need support…or if you have any questions…please reach out. You will get a response as quickly as possible. Physical distancing and staying at home do not mean you need to be isolated. Hineni; we are here. We pray for all who are ill and in need of healing that they may experience refuah sh’lemah, a complete healing of body and spirit.
We are mobilizing to offer community care
We are here to help assist those who need groceries or pharmacy trips. Please note that if a member of the community runs an errand for you, you will be responsible for reimbursing them for any supplies they pick up. We will also be making calls to check in on those who are homebound. More information is available at the links below:
Calendar
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Mar28
Havdallah
March 28 @ 8:00 pm -
Apr3
Kabbalat Shabbat
April 3 @ 6:15 pm|Recurring Event (See all)An event every week that begins at 6:15 pm on Friday, repeating until April 25, 2020
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Apr10
Kabbalat Shabbat
April 10 @ 6:15 pm|Recurring Event (See all)An event every week that begins at 6:15 pm on Friday, repeating until April 25, 2020
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Apr17
Kabbalat Shabbat
April 17 @ 6:15 pm|Recurring Event (See all)An event every week that begins at 6:15 pm on Friday, repeating until April 25, 2020
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Apr24
Kabbalat Shabbat
April 24 @ 6:15 pm|Recurring Event (See all)An event every week that begins at 6:15 pm on Friday, repeating until April 25, 2020
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May16
Kesher Minyan
May 16 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm|Recurring Event (See all)One event on April 20, 2019 at 11:00 am
An event every week that begins at 11:00 am on Saturday, repeating indefinitely
One event on June 15, 2019 at 11:00 am
One event on July 27, 2019 at 11:00 am
One event on August 17, 2019 at 11:00 am
One event on September 21, 2019 at 11:00 am
One event on November 9, 2019 at 11:00 am
One event on December 21, 2019 at 11:00 am
One event on January 18, 2020 at 11:00 am
One event on February 15, 2020 at 11:00 am
One event on March 21, 2020 at 11:00 am
One event on April 18, 2020 at 11:00 am
One event on May 16, 2020 at 11:00 am
One event on June 20, 2020 at 11:00 am
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May22
Congregation Beth El Retreat- May 22-24, 2020
May 22 - May 24 -
Jun5
Shabbat BaBayit
June 5 @ 5:30 pm|Recurring Event (See all)One event on September 13, 2019 at 5:30 pm
One event on January 17, 2020 at 5:30 pm
One event on April 3, 2020 at 5:30 pm
One event on June 5, 2020 at 5:30 pm
See all events
Worship Schedule
Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat begins at 6:15 pm
Click here to join via Livestream
Torah Talk led by Rabbi Olitzky begins at 8:45 am
Shabbat morning services begin at 9:30 am
Virtual Mini-Minyan, facilitated by Hannah Zollman and Sarah Korn begins at 11:00 am
Havdallah led by Rabbi Marder begins at 8:00 pm
Congregation Beth El Retreat
May 22-24
Registration is now open for Congregation Beth El Retreat! Join us at Camp Nah-Jee-Wah during Memorial Day Weekend, May 22- 24. Click here for more information and to register. See you at camp!
We’d like your family to meet our family.
We are a dynamic, egalitarian Conservative synagogue with a strong commitment to inspiring learning, engaging worship, and pursuit of social justice. We welcome people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds to join us on our journey: learned and novice; born-Jewish, Jew-by-choice, or non-Jew living Jewish; single or partnered; gay or straight. Our intent is that all who enter find a makom kadosh — a holy space — in which to seek God, connection, and community.
